OK, I have a love/hate relationship with Walmart.  Unluckily for me I have had to make a number of runs to Wally World (Benner Pike) for a few items.  Normally the trip is not too vexing but the holiday throngs are gaining momentum and combine that with weekend shopping today was creating a navigational challenge that even Saquon would have trouble busting through the line.  My first thought on arriving and seeing many cars in the stop and pick-up space I figured "this will be smooth".  WRONG.  The scenario that was causing congestion to challenging heights were tagalong husbands.  A great number of them appeared to be of retirement age and that they did not seem to be providing meaningful contributions to the shopping endeavor told me they just came along for the ride.  One gentleman made the error of criticizing his co-shopper's choice of a product and if looks could kill.... So guys, if you come out to help your partner shop, at least push the cart.  Let's check out and then take off for the Pickleverse.

1. Another Indoor Pickleball Facility? - I was chilling in the recliner this morning when an interesting post came across my FaceBook feed.  A second entity has begun its initial steps to create a dedicated indoor pickleball facility in the Centre Region.  Instead of me trying to relay all the information that is out now, check out this link:  Centre Court Pickleball. As I get more information I will post.  Keep you antennas up, I have heard rumor of maybe an 3rd entity trying to do something.  Of course, watching the last facility come crashing down 2 weeks before closing, I try to be cautiously optimistic.  Cross your fingers.

2. The Centre - The renovation and repair work will continue at The Centre through Monday.  Hopefully the crew will not need anymore extensions.  To their credit, Michael L. and Sean K. came in early on Thursday and built 2 additional courts on the gym side of the building.  They are leaving those 2 new courts up so when all are available The Centre will be able to offer 9 courts.  FYI, they need to assemble an additional net and order one more so it will be a couple of weeks tuntil 9.  One of the issues that will need addressed is creating ball stops.  One of the issues that needed addressed by the repair crew was the motors that lower and raise the divider curtains tend to begin and fail after "x" number of drops and raises.  So thinking caps are on for alternative ball stops that are easy to put up and take down.  For the SignUpGenious I have scaled back the number of spots for Monday since there are only 5 courts.  Hopefully they are back to 7 on Tuesday. 

3. Food Bank - Besides Deidre's collection efforts Rana G. will be providing a drop box for the Food Bank on the days she is playing next week.  Rana is planning to play at drop-in (9 - 11 AM) on Monday/Wednesday/Friday at The Centre.  If you have items to donate, the box will be next to Rana's Land Rover.  In case of inclement weather, the box will be in the back of the vehicle and the hatch will be unlocked.  If you need suggestions about what to donate, here is a list of greatest needs:  Food Bank Current Needs

4. Congratulations - Ron K. and SaraLee F. brought home some gold from the Pennsylvania Masters @ Pickleball Harbor (near Pittsburgh) in the mixed doubles 3.0.  A photo of the dynamic duo is below.  Way to go guys.

5. Counterfeit Alert - I continue to read articles about counterfeit paddles being sold mostly via e-shopping venues.  If a paddle gets popular, the counterfeits follow closely behind it.  So be careful if you are shopping for a paddle that online price looks too good to be true - it has a good chance of being a knock off.  Be careful out there.

6. The Centre:  Holiday Schedule - I was notified by The Centre they should have their holiday schedule soon.  At this time there is a large dog show that has rented the entire turf side of the building that will be running from December 29 - January 1.  At this moment it is unknown if it will impact the 5 courts on the gym side.  As soon as I know I will let you guys know.

7. Reminder - when there are no barriers to walk behind to separate you from courts in play, please do not walk behind courts when there is an active point in play and when you are clear to pass behind, don't lollygag.  Thank you.

8. The Case For Grace (Playing WIth A Partner) - The vast majority of games we play are doubles which matches you with another bipedal humanoid being.  Sometimes the match is great and it is like you can read each other's mind.  Other pairings are more like pairing Cabernet Sauvignon and spicy Thai curry.  In rec play be willing to be the one that makes accommodations.  If your partner plays a couple feet off the kitchen line, experiment how you can adjust your position to present the best defensive set and prevent providing gap shots to the opponents.  Can you find shot that sets up your partner for them to be successful.  Treat them as a partner.  Make eye contact, encourage each other, make sure your partner is set before you serve.  Communication is pretty slick when used. 

9. Dinking In The New Year 2026 - Registrations took a big leap since last week.  There are now 70 players with several players from Centre County playing.  The flyer for the tournament can be found on the Tournaments page.  You can also follow this link:  Dinking In the New Year 2026.
   
   

The sign-ups for indoor play are below.  Have a great week.  For those that celebrate, Happy Hanukkah.  I hope to see you on the courts soon.

C3 Sports:  Indoors At C3 Sports

The Centre:  Indoors at The Centre

Randy S. Hoffman

Pickleball: The art of keeping your eye on the ball…mostly.